What Is A "Craft Brewer"?
Sep 24, 2010
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood definitions out there for consumers. Unless you’re in the industry, the ‘craft’ label is still quite fuzzy. Anyone else most commonly here ‘micro brews’ instead of ‘craft’?
American Craft Beer
Here’s the standard in the US as defined by the BA.
Craft Brewer =
1. Small - annual production of beer is less than 2 million barrels.
2. Independent – less than 25% of the brewery is controlled or owned by an alcoholic beverage industry members who is not themselves a craft brewer.
3. Traditional - has an all malt flagship beer or has at least 50% of its volume in either all malt beers or in beers which use adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten the flavor.
So there you have it. Easy as 1-2-3.
Assume most don’t know it and take all opportunities to define and reinforce this definition. It’s a useless term to people unless they really know what it means. Gently suggest, inform and share.
Be sure to share and constantly educate your patrons, customers and consumers. A better educated consumer is good for the entire beer community.
Monday: Breakdown definitions of types of Craft Brewers
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